Hi everyone,

It pains me to have to be writing this but I have come to kindly ask for your help.

Meet my dad, Alan. He is just 42 years old. He is a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and loyal friend. He is loved by everyone who meets him and we are all so honoured to have him in our lives. My dad has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He has an extremely rare form of MDS (myeloidysplastic syndrome) that only effects 2-3 people every year.

Originally, we were told that this cancer could be treated with a stem cell transplant. My dad had over 1000 potential matches sourced for him so we were hopeful for the future. Just weeks later, we were given the worst news. My dad has an incurable mutation. He can no longer receive stem cell treatment as it would only kill him sooner. He can only be treated with chemotherapy which will simply prolong his life, and not by much. We only have 12-18 precious months left with him. Like everyone, we never thought that this would ever happen to us. We cannot begin to describe our grief and devastation.

The doctors told my dad and mum, Debbie, to cash in their life insurance, pay off all the debts and live this last year to the fullest. But unfortunately they have no insurance, no death in service policies, nothing. Of course, my dad has had to stop working and my mum can only work 2 days a week as a nursing assistant due to her fibromyalgia and ME. This has caused financial strain for my parents as there is still a mortgage, bills and funeral to pay for when the time comes.

So that is why we are asking you for your help. I understand times are tough for everyone right now and so even just a small donation would be greatly appreciated. This will help my dad and our family enjoy our last year together and help my mum with the tough financial times ahead.